An inside look at the Lambeau Field Atrium Wednesday morning shows Donald Driver fans waiting for the official retirement announcement event to begin. Charles Davis/Press-Gazette Media

Donald Driver's family at the Lambeau Field Atrium Wednesday. Charles Davis/Press-Gazette Media

Donald Driver's family holds a street sign named after the newly retired Green Bay Packers player.

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Donald Driver made a promise to Green Bay Packers fans early in his 14-year career to never play for another team.

And on Wednesday morning, in front of his family, colleagues, news media and about 1,000 fans, he stuck to his word.

“The loyalty you all have instilled in me and my family, I have to keep my loyalty to you and not play for another team; and to retire in the green and gold,” Driver, 38, said during his retirement ceremony held at the Lambeau Field Atrium, 1265 Lombardi Ave. “I owe it to the fans, and to this fine organization, not to tarnish the legacy that they have established in me and my family.”

The Packers’ all-time leading receiver first said he would retire from the NFL on Jan. 31; the hour-long event Wednesday was held as a formal send-off. Driver, who wore a tan suit and spoke at a podium, said he feels he can still play football professionally, but decided with his family that it was time to call it quits.

“A man of his honor and a man of his word,” said fan Ginny Wojtowski of Oshkosh.” “He’s a gentleman and a role model unsurpassed in our athletes right now.”

The emotional farewell saw tears from Driver, head coach Mike McCarthy and scores of fans wearing Driver’s No. 80 jersey. Some fans brought banners and large signs in honor of the man known for his wide smile and friendly persona.

Jaimee Radloff, 22, of Oshkosh was first in line for the event, arriving at 10 p.m. Tuesday and later joined by other fans under sub-zero temperatures.

Driver was joined at the event by his family, including his wife, Betina, son Cristian, 9, and daughters Christina, 7, and Charity, 17 months.

Many fans hoped Driver would get a job with the Packers organization, but he said he has no interest in coaching and is instead working on TV entertainment projects. Driver’s popularity soared after winning Season 14 of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” competition. He has authored three children’s books and said a new book is set to be released in September.

Packers receiver Jordy Nelson and tight end Tom Crabtree attended the event, as well as other players, some former stars and Packers staff.

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After the ceremony, Driver and Betina hugged fans and took photos.

“I’m proud, very proud, that he accomplished everything he set out to do,” said his mother, Faye Gray, as she looked on. “He never gave up on his dreams.”

Though Driver will no longer play for the Packers, leaders have found a special way for the community to honor him.

Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt attended the event and said he wants to rename a portion of North Pearl Street, near Titletown Brewing Co., to Donald Driver Way.

Officials also plan to change the number of the 22-foot receiver statue in front of Titletown Brewing from 88 to 80 in honor of Driver, Schmitt said. The name Packer on the back of the statue jersey will be changed to Driver, Schmitt added.

The mayor also presented Driver with a plaque of a key to the city of Green Bay.

“No matter where your travels take you, you will always, always be a friend of this city,” he said.

It was the first time the Packers held a public retirement ceremony in front of fans, Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy said.

“I haven’t seen a player that has had a better connection, more of a special connection with the fans, than Donald,” he said. “He really represents the very best of the Packers and has been a great ambassador for the organization.”

Packers general manager Ted Thompson said Driver, who was drafted in the seventh round from Alcorn State in 1999, was a skinny guy when he arrived to Packers training camp. However, he proved through hard work that he was an outstanding player, and packed on even more muscle.

“It doesn’t really matter (when you’re picked) when you have character, and you have quality and you have confidence in your ability,” he said.

The event featured an 11-minute tribute video that included well-wishes from celebrities, career highlights and images of Driver volunteer work.

Tom Fabitz of Kewaskum, who wore a custom-made cheesehead, said his favorite memory of the receiver was meeting him last year at the annual Donald Driver Charity Softball Game in Grand Chute.

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“He made sure everyone who wanted his autograph got it,” he said. “I think he’s going out in style. I think he’s doing it the right way. We all love him, and he’ll never be forgotten.”

Newton resident Brad Broecker, who wore Driver’s white No. 80 jersey, said he met Driver early in his career at a charity golf event, and that Driver gave him a signed pair of his golf shoes — socks included.

“I respect him as a player. I respect him so much more as a man,” he said of Driver’s charity work.

Driver said the best play of his career was when he made a catch and ran to fight off multiple defenders to score a 61-yard touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during a 34-16 win at Lambeau Field on Dec. 5, 2010.

His most memorable moment was walking out of the Cowboys Stadium tunnel and later lifting the Lombardi Trophy after the Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 on Feb. 6, 2011, to claim the team’s fourth Super Bowl and 13th overall NFL championship.

Gregg Felsheim of Whitefish Bay said fans believed in Driver, and will miss him greatly.